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Immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen receptors in the urethra of sexually intact, ovariectomized, and estrogen-substituted ovariectomized sheep

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Urinary incontinence is prevalent in postmenopausal women and spayed dogs and is associated with decreased estrogen plasma concentrations. The objective of the study was to investigate the expression of estrogen receptors (ER) in the urethra of sexually intact, ovariectomized, and estrogen-substituted ovariectomized ewes.

Methods

Paraffin cross-sections from each urethral quarter were immunohistochemically analyzed. The reactivity of ER was semiquantitatively assessed employing an immunoreactive score (IRS).

Results

In contrast to ERβ, ERα was identified in all urethral compartments; the highest IRS was detected in the epithelium of the distal urethra. The immunoreactivity and distribution of ERα did not differ among groups. Highly significant differences in ERα concentrations were observed between consecutive urethral quarters in each group.

Conclusions

Neither ovariectomy nor ovariectomy and estrogen substitution seem to have a significant effect on overall urethral ERα concentration. The results demonstrate that the precise location of the investigated urethral part is crucial to the reliable evaluation or possible comparison of ERα concentrations.

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Abbreviations

ANOVA:

Factorial analysis of variance

CEE:

Conjugated equine estrogen

ER:

Estrogen receptor

ERT:

Estrogen replacement therapy

IRS:

Immunoreactive score

NOC:

Non-operated control

OVE:

Estrogen-substituted ovariectomized

OVX:

Ovariectomized

UI:

Urinary incontinence

U1/4:

Urethral quarter 1 (connecting with urinary bladder)

U4/4:

Urethral quarter 4 (connecting with vaginal vestibule)

WHI:

Women’s Health Initiative

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Prof. Martin Cake (College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoc University, Perth, Australia) for the collection and processing of blood samples and materials.

Conflicts of interest

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    Heinz R. Augsburger & Constanze Führer

  2. Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland

    Heinz R. Augsburger

Authors
  1. Heinz R. Augsburger
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  2. Constanze Führer
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Heinz R. Augsburger.

Additional information

Brief summary

Ovariectomy and estrogen substitution do not seem to have an immunohistochemically ascertainable effect on urethral estrogen receptor concentration in the sheep

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Augsburger, H.R., Führer, C. Immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen receptors in the urethra of sexually intact, ovariectomized, and estrogen-substituted ovariectomized sheep. Int Urogynecol J 25, 657–662 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-013-2275-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-013-2275-8

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